Green Cities Fit for Life

As a side event to this years RIO+20 the European Union’s Committee of the Regions is hosting a discussion on sustainable cities. The event, which is titled “”, will be heald on the 21st on June at the Pavilion of the European Union, Park of Athletes, Rio de Janeiro. During the two hour event participants will discuss the concept of “modern urban fabric” and how it is key in tackling climate change while expanding the green economy and improve citizens’ quality of life. The keynote speaker will be Achin Steiner, Executive Director of the UNEP.

The event will also showcase Europe’s sustainable cities success so far. The European Green Capital Award will be represented by this year’s Green Capital title holder, Vitoria-Gasteiz’s Mayor, Javier Maroto Aranzabal. Aranzabal will discuss what makes a green city and how the award has promoted that ethos throughout Europe. The European covenant of Mayors, represented by Ilmar Reepalu, Mayor of Malmö, Spain, will also describe their most successful achievements. The event will be accompanied by the “Colourful Cities” exhibition.

Europe’s continual development and modernisation poses a detrimental effect on the environment. Clear sustainable policies and inventive planning can mitigate the threat. Europe has the potential to build resilient, sustainable cities while supporting a thriving economy. José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission said at the 5th European Summit of Regions and Cities “Europe’s cities have certainly a remarkable capacity to find new innovative ways to deal with a fast-changing societal, economic and environmental reality. Our cities have a long-standing capacity to re-invent themselves thanks to innovative urban planning and architectural projects”.

For more information on how the EU CoR are participating in Rio+20 click here